A lot has been talked about IVF or In vitro fertilization and the growing problem of infertility in India and worldwide. The fact remains that IVF is one of the best breakthrough technologies to have happened in the field of medical science in recent history. It offers a bundle of joy to the couples who otherwise would have lost all hope of conceiving.

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
Both men and women suffer from infertility issues and the number is growing significantly every year. The major causes of infertility include damage to the fallopian tube causing blockage, endometriosis, ovulatory disorders, male factor infertility like low sperm count, infections, hormonal imbalances, defect of tubules carrying sperm, zero sperm count, cancer etc .
Late marriages, postponing pregnancy due to career, lack of awareness about ART, lifestyle issues are all adding to the already worsening problem.

WHAT IS IVF?
There are different types of procedures or treatment which can address difficulties in conceiving a child. There are different types of Assisted Reproductive Techniques including infoKEM Newsletter JULY 2024 Issue 109 from KEM Hospital, PuneKNOW YOUR HEALTH In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). IVF is a procedure which involves fertilizing mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperms in a laboratory. The embryos resulting from this fertilization process are then transferred into the uterus. IVF is not the first option.

Clinical assessment including medical history, physical examination and diagnostic investigations can decide the further course of action. Based on these multiple factors, doctors will decide on whether the couple needs to undergo IVF cycle or associated treatments. IVF offers beneficial and versatile treatment according to the requirements of the individual based on the medical assessments. It has proved to be a boon for many couples worldwide and given them and their family bundles of joy.

But starting the IVF journey can be a challenging experience for a couple as they have many questions in their mind including whether the treatment will be successful, the cost associated with the treatment, the risks involved, etc. It is for this reason, ‘The World IVF Day’ is celebrated on 25 July of every year. It aims at creating an awareness about the various aspects of IVF. Both physical and mental aspects need to be understood and the journey of motherhood should be enjoyed with the strong support from the entire family.

THIS YEAR AT KEM HOSPITAL, PUNE…..
This year KEM Hospital, Pune celebrated World IVF Day with a guidance programme focused on stress management. Around 50 people, including those who have successfully conceived through IVF and those undergoing IVF cycles participated in a programme organised to mark World IVF Day. Various experts spoke on the importance of stress management during the IVF cycle. Couples who had conceived through IVF also narrated their experience.

While embarking on the journey of IVF, couples naturally have a lot of anxiety and stress about whether the treatment will be successful and other issues while continuing with their daily work routine. Taking proper care of self, a healthy lifestyle and stress management is therefore very important. Stress along with many other factors like age, genetics, underlying causes, lifestyle factors etc. can affect the success of IVF. The programme was aimed at creating awareness to manage stress during this critical period